Lemon Pizza

I love making Lemon Pizza because it’s a zesty, bright twist on the traditional pizza. The combination of a crispy pizza crust with a tangy, creamy lemon sauce, topped with fresh herbs and a touch of cheese, makes for a delightful and refreshing meal. This pizza is perfect for when you want something light, yet satisfying, and it’s especially great during the warmer months!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I adore about Lemon Pizza is how the tangy lemon flavor adds a fresh burst of brightness, while the creamy sauce balances out the zestiness. The toppings are simple yet flavorful, and the combination of cheese, lemon, and fresh herbs creates an unexpected yet delicious flavor profile. It’s a great alternative to traditional pizza for anyone looking for a unique and refreshing dish!

Ingredients

For the pizza crust:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• Olive oil, for brushing

For the lemon sauce:

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the toppings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and parmesan)

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or whole, depending on preference)

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional, for added flavor)

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• Additional lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

   • Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into your desired shape (round, rectangular, etc.), making sure the edges are slightly thicker for a nice crust. Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.

2. Make the lemon sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice, zest, or salt if needed. The sauce should have a balanced lemon flavor with a creamy texture.

3. Assemble the pizza:

   • Brush a thin layer of olive oil onto the pizza crust to help it crisp up during baking.

   • Spread the lemon sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a border around the edges for the crust to rise.

   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.

4. Bake the pizza:

   • Transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

   • Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent the crust from burning.

5. Garnish and serve:

   • Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

   • Drizzle a little honey over the top (optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness that complements the lemon) and sprinkle fresh basil and thyme over the pizza.

   • Add a few lemon slices for garnish if desired.

6. Enjoy:

   • Slice the pizza and enjoy the bright, zesty flavors!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 1 medium pizza (about 8 slices). Prep time is around 15 minutes, and bake time is 12-15 minutes.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

• Adding a handful of arugula or spinach on top after baking for extra greens and a peppery flavor.

• Mixing some goat cheese or feta into the ricotta sauce for added tanginess.

• Sprinkling a little red pepper flake or chili oil over the top for some heat.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore the crispiness of the crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
   Yes! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver, and it will work perfectly for this recipe.

2. Can I use a different sauce instead of ricotta?
   Yes, you can substitute ricotta with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream or even a lemon-based vinaigrette for a tangier base.

3. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
   You can prep the crust, sauce, and toppings in advance, then assemble and bake the pizza when you’re ready to eat. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

4. Can I make the crust gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough and follow the same steps for assembly and baking.

5. How can I make the pizza vegan?
   Use dairy-free ricotta and vegan mozzarella cheese, and skip the honey or use a vegan alternative.

Conclusion

Lemon Pizza is a unique, refreshing take on the traditional pizza, offering a bright citrus kick combined with creamy cheese and crispy crust. With its tangy lemon sauce and fresh herbs, this pizza is a delightful and light option that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something different for a casual dinner or a standout dish for a party, this pizza is sure to impress!

Lemon Pizza

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Lemon Pizza is a zesty, bright twist on traditional pizza. The combination of a crispy pizza crust with a tangy, creamy lemon sauce, topped with fresh herbs and a touch of cheese, makes for a delightful and refreshing meal. Perfect for when you want something light, yet satisfying, especially during the warmer months!

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 medium pizza (about 8 slices)
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Olive oil, for brushing

For the lemon sauce:

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the toppings:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and parmesan)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or whole)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional, for added flavor)

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Additional lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface, shaping it to your desired size. Transfer the dough onto a parchment paper for easy handling.
2. Make the lemon sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed for a balanced lemon flavor.
3. Assemble the pizza: Brush olive oil onto the pizza crust. Spread the lemon sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
4. Bake the pizza: Transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza to avoid burning the crust.
5. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the pizza and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle honey over the pizza (optional), then sprinkle fresh basil and thyme. Add lemon slices for garnish if desired.
6. Enjoy: Slice and enjoy the zesty, refreshing flavors of the Lemon Pizza!

Notes

Add arugula or spinach on top after baking for extra greens and peppery flavor.

Mix goat cheese or feta into the ricotta sauce for added tanginess.

For some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or chili oil over the pizza.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg